A/N: I just started editing (for the nth time) some of my previous chapters here and damn why do I still have so many mixups with names and typos everywhere even after I edited it the first time 😂 I was cringing when I was fixing them HAHA.

Also, a friendly reminder to check if your acc has been pwned (compromised)!!! Wattpad released a statement that their site was h*cked a month ago (I can't believe they didn't tell us sooner???) and a lot of users' information may have been leaked :(( There's a thread on Twitter on how to check + security measures to keep your email and Wattpad acc safe from now on, so feel free to comment or message me if you need it. Stay safe y'all!

"Kill the spares."

"Avada Kedavra!"

Analeigh knew what would happen. After all, she had experienced it first-hand during the night of the Third Task. Cedric would summon a statue that would block them from the killing curse, and just when Wormtail would try to kill them one more time, they would use her necklace as a Portkey and escape.

But that didn't happen. Instead, the green jet of light hit Cedric squarely on his chest, sending him flying backwards. He landed with a loud thud on the ground, his now lifeless eyes staring at Analeigh.

Analeigh's heart dropped to her stomach. This wasn't supposed to happen. She was sure she and Cedric made it out alive.

Harry continued to scream in pain, his scar feeling like it was going to burst. So many things were going on at once that Analeigh didn't know what she should do. She so badly wanted to comfort Harry and help him, but she couldn't leave Cedric's dead body just there.

And then there was another flash of green light, but this time, it had engulfed her.

Analeigh's eyes shot open, the blood in her veins pounding loudly in her ears. She sat up on her bed, her eyes adjusting to the light seeping into her bedroom as she tried to regain her breath from that awful dream.

Ever since she returned home, things were different. Analeigh's father had been demoted to a lower position because of what he had done at the Triwizard Tournament, even if Dumbledore claimed that he himself instructed Altair to create that Portkey for the safety of the champions. The court judges were more or less on the same page that it still did not give an official from the Department or Magical Transportation the right to create an advanced Portkey without any formal authorization. Moreover, it seemed that the Ministry has become less confident in Dumbledore, and that may have contributed to why Altair was not let go easily on the case. Ever since the wise old man proclaimed that Voldemort was back, many witches and wizards believed he had gone mad. After all, nobody wanted to even think of the possibility that the greatest dark wizard of all time had returned from the dead.

The revelation that Analeigh's father had once been a Death Eater also continued to bother her even when she tried her best not to judge him. She was slowly coming to terms with it, especially since his actions had proved him to be on the good side and she couldn't help but trust in the man — he was her father, for Merlin's sake. Still, it didn't mean that she fully accepted his past. It was also making her a little paranoid, as she would imagine bizarre scenarios or have crazy dreams about being kidnapped by Voldemort and his other Death Eaters. It wasn't that far-fetched that they would find her and her family, actually; Harry did say that Voldemort gathered his most trusted men at the graveyard that night. It sounded easy enough for him to track down yet another one of his old followers.

It had only been a little more than a week since Analeigh ended her fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While she missed her friends and the warmth of the castle, she was enjoying the time she spent alone during those days to recuperate from such a stressful school year.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Analeigh looked over at her window and found Hedwig perched on the windowsill. She groggily got out of bed and made her way to open the latch, allowing the owl to hop inside and stick its leg out where a letter was attached. Analeigh untied the scroll and gave the snowy owl a small treat, letting it rest on her desk as she sat down to open the folded parchment paper.

Hi, Leigh.

I know it's only been around two weeks since the break started, but I was wondering how you've been doing lately. You and Cedric are the only ones who know just how dangerous it was during the Third Task, both in the maze and the graveyard. I just want to know if you're okay since I haven't heard from you yet.

The Dursleys haven't changed, by the way. They're still as insufferable as ever, but lately, I've been losing my patience more and more around them. I don't know why, but I always feel so angry. I end up spending most of my time outside the house because of that — not that they care, anyway.

Do you also happen to know what's going on in the wizarding world right now? I've been skimming through the Daily Prophet recently but I don't see anything interesting in the headlines. Are people even aware that Voldemort's back? Hermione and Ron haven't been responding to my letters, so I'm hoping you will. Do you know how they're doing so far? I know it hasn't been long since we last saw each other, but things aren't quite the same anymore.

Harry

Analeigh sighed guiltily, rereading the contents of the letter even when she knew she couldn't give Harry a proper response.

It wasn't that she didn't want to reply to Harry. Dumbledore himself had written to her, Hermione, and Ron the moment their summer vacation began that she was not allowed to tell him any information about what was going on and to respond to his letters as briefly as possible. But, Good Godric, she didn't even know what was going on. All Analeigh had caught onto was that her dad seemed to be busier than usual, but she assumed that he was trying to make up for what he did at the tournament by working harder at the Ministry.

Still, she knew better than to disobey Dumbledore. There must have been a reason for him not wanting her and the others to communicate with Harry. The most logical explanation she could think of was that their letters could be intercepted by Voldemort's followers to find Harry's location. Since Analeigh didn't want to endanger him and she herself was afraid that they might find her and her family, she decided to follow Dumbledore's orders even when it ate her up alive to not speak to Harry.

And so, she wrote him back with the vaguest reply possible, Hedwig watching her eagerly as she did so.

Hi, Harry. My family and I are doing well. As far as I know, Hermione and Ron are fine, too. I hope you're doing okay and don't let the Dursleys get to you.

Leigh

She folded up the parchment pretty quickly and attached it to Hedwig's leg. The snowy owl chirped happily after receiving a pat on the head, then she was out the window and flying back to Harry in Number 4, Privet Drive.

When Hedwig was gone, Analeigh exhaled loudly and lowered her head onto her desk. She badly wanted to tell Harry everything she knew so far, but she felt useless that she couldn't do anything to help him. Was she not going to be allowed to properly write to him for the entire summer? If she was already anxious about it now, she could only imagine the hurt and frustration he would feel for the following days or weeks to come without proper replies from his best friends.

The doorbell suddenly rang, its sound echoing throughout the house.

"Analeigh, could you get that, please? I'm cooking!" Grace Heart shouted in her mother tongue from the kitchen. Analeigh fought the urge to groan in annoyance, knowing her mother would somehow hear it even when she was all the way inside her room.

"Okay," Analeigh said back, begrudgingly getting up from her seat. She brisk walked out of her room and to the front door. In her still-sleepy state, she didn't bother to check who was on her porch through the peephole and instead swung the door open without hesitation. Her eyes widened when she saw an all-too familiar fair-skinned boy with tousled bronze hair, looking unbelievably attractive in casual clothes especially when it was only nine in the morning.

"Hi," Cedric said with a lopsided grin. Instead of acknowledging his presence, Analeigh slammed the door shut on his face.

"Wha — Analeigh, it's me!" Cedric said from the other side, sounding confused.

Her heart pounded nervously. Was she dreaming? What was Cedric doing here all of a sudden? Why did he show up looking so fresh while she hadn't even taken a shower yet? Bloody hell, he had seen her with her messy hair, oversized Holyhead Harpies Quidditch Team shirt that covered her tiny pair of shorts underneath, and she was barefoot. She must have looked horrible compared to him.

"Analeigh? Who was that?" Grace came walking out from the kitchen.

"Uh... Cedric?" she said in what sounded like a question.

"Oh, he's finally here!" Grace cheered, walking towards the door that her daughter was currently blocking.

"Wait, what?" Analeigh said, bewildered. "Did you know he was coming?"

"Of course. He came to my store earlier this week and personally asked for my permission. At first, I thought he just wanted some chocolates since that was who you bought them for during Valentine's Day, right? Anyway, he did end up buying a few pastries, but —"

"Wait," Analeigh said again, cutting her mother's rambling off. "So you knew this whole time that he was coming and you didn't bother to tell me?"

"I assumed your boyfriend told you about it himself," Grace shrugged.

"Mum!"

"I actually wanted to surprise her," Cedric said, his voice muffled from still being stuck outside.

"Well, I'm surprised!" Analeigh said with a huff, causing Cedric to chuckle in amusement.

"Why don't you go freshen up and I'll take care of Cedric for now? You don't look exactly... presentable," Grace said, sounding like it was Analeigh's fault for not having gotten dressed in the first place. Not in the mood to argue any longer, Analeigh agreed and hurried back to her room and into her bathroom to shower and get changed as fast as she could.

She somehow managed to finish within fifteen minutes, though her hair was still wet from her shower. She trudged down the stairs quickly, her footsteps catching Cedric's attention as he looked over his shoulder to see her from where he sat on the couch.

"Good morning," he smirked. Analeigh rolled her eyes and made her way to where he was. She stood before him, her hands on her hips disapprovingly.

"Did you really have to show up unannounced?" she questioned, still slightly embarrassed.

"Didn't I ask you on the last day of school if your parents would let me in if I came knocking at your door at three in the morning?"

"I didn't think you were serious!"

"I wasn't. See, it's nearly ten o'clock," Cedric said cheekily. Analeigh grabbed a pillow from one of the armchairs and moved to throw it at him, only for him to use his wand to stop it.

"Hey!"

"Did you forget I've been of age for almost a year already?" Cedric said smugly, swishing the pillow away from her and to the chair on the other end of the room. Analeigh merely grumbled under her breath. "You're quite cranky today."

"I didn't exactly have the best morning," Analeigh muttered, recalling her dream and Harry's letter that she wasn't allowed to properly respond to. Cedric frowned curiously but didn't get the chance to ask her what she meant because Grace had entered the living room again.

"Would you like to join us for breakfast, Cedric?" she asked kindly.

"I ate a bit before I got here already, but I'd love to join," Cedric accepted. Grace seemed to like him a lot already, causing Analeigh to raise her eyebrows, impressed. Cedric certainly had a natural talent for charming people without even meaning to do it.

And so, Grace, Analeigh, and Cedric sat around the dining table for their meal. While Analeigh loved and appreciated her mother's cooking, she knew that she had clearly prepared quite a bit more than usual for Cedric's arrival. On a normal day, Grace would maybe make a few pancakes or fry some sausages and eggs, but today, she had cooked stacks of waffles with a variety of possible toppings, from bacon and syrup to walnuts and fresh fruits. Analeigh sent her mother a disbelieving look, but the older woman simply smiled unashamedly.

Their breakfast mostly consisted of Grace' asking about Cedric. She evidently wanted to know about her daughter's boyfriend, and there was the not-so-subtle fact that she herself was charmed by the incoming seventh year boy. Grace found out about Cedric being a prefect and captain and Seeker of the Hufflepuff Quidditch Team among many of his other achievements. At half past ten, Grace glanced at the wall clock and realized that she needed to leave.

"As much as I'd love to stay and talk longer," she began. "I have to be at my shop before eleven. You can leave your dishes by the sink and I'll clean them when I get back from work."

"It's not a problem, Mrs. Heart. I can help Analeigh do the dishes," said Cedric.

"Oh, but you're our guest."

"I insist," Cedric said with conviction. Grace paused, ready to reject his request again, but it seemed even more rude if she continued to do that instead of graciously accepting his offer.

"Well, if you're sure..." she trailed off as Cedric nodded in reassurance. "Alright, then. I'll be off, now. Don't do anything indecent while I'm gone. Your father will be back this afternoon, too."

"Bye, mum," Analeigh said loudly before bed mother could embarrass her any further. Grace smiled before grabbing her things and walking out the front door. When they heard a small crack, indicating that she had Disapparated, Analeigh faced Cedric with her arms folded.

"What?" Cedric asked, noticing her stare.

"You really do know to charm someone, don't you?" she said. A mischievous smile played on Cedric's lips at those words.

"Can you blame me? I need to make a good impression on your parents."

"The dishes was a nice touch."

Cedric flicked his wand and their plates all levitated away from the table and into the kitchen.

"Right. I forgot about that," Analeigh rolled her eyes playfully. She accompanied Cedric into the kitchen to continue cleaning up, which consisted of only him muttering a few spells until the dishes and utensils were all cleaned and back in their respective racks or cabinets.

When they had finished, they retreated back into the living room and plopped down onto the couch next to one another. Analeigh was glad he had visited, but she wasn't sure what she was supposed to do know that he was here. What did couples even do when they visited each other over the summer like this?

Before she could think of something worthwhile doing, Cedric asked, "What did you mean earlier?"

"What are you talking about?"

"When you said you didn't exactly have the best morning. Did something happen?"

"Oh, that. Er, I just had a dream, that's all," Analeigh mumbled, running a hand through her still damp hair. Cedric used a simple drying spell, sending a small gust of wind through her hair. She smiled gratefully at the gesture, dropping her hands back to her lap.

"Do you want to tell me what it's about?"

"Well... it was when we were all in the graveyard, the night of the Third Task. It more or less played out the same way it really did — you know, with Pettigrew trying to kill us."

Cedric nodded, waiting for her to continue. By now, he already knew that Peter Pettigrew was alive. He couldn't be kept in the dark about a revelation as big as that after seeing him face to face and almost being his victim. Of course, Dumbledore had explained it all to Cedric and his parents. They were also told to not spread word about it for it would only give the Ministry of Magic more reasons to label Dumbledore and the three Hogwarts champions (especially Harry) as insane.

"Something different happened, though. You... you died. And I don't think Harry and I made it out alive, either," Analeigh finished in a small voice.

Cedric grasped Analeigh's hands, which had been fumbling nervously in her lap, and held them tightly with both of his own.

"It was just a nightmare," he reminded her. "It must have been scary, but we're all here, safe and sound. You don't have to worry about that anymore."

Analeigh wanted to tell him that she couldn't stop worrying just like that — because maybe, she wasn't as safe as she thought since Voldemort was back and her father had once been his follower. But, of course, she couldn't bring herself to tell him that.

"Hey," Cedric said softly when she still didn't meet his eyes. "I know things are different now that You-Know-Who is back, but trust me. Everything will be okay."

★ ★ ★

While Analeigh wasn't able to tell Cedric every reason for her bad mood that morning, his visit did help ease her worries and make her feel much better. The two of them spent some time walking down Analeigh's village, relaxing and talking about whatever came to mind.

Though it was already late in the afternoon by the time the pair returned to Analeigh's home in Tinworth, which actually wasn't too far from Cedric's own home around the area of Ottery St. Catchpole, the sun was still up in the summer sky. Cedric pointed out that he could Apparate already, so it wouldn't have bothered him if they lived far apart from one another or had ended the day later than planned.

"I can't wait to play Quidditch again," Cedric was saying as they walked down the path. Their conversation had drifted to what they were expecting in the coming school year especially after such an eventful and tiring one had just come to an end.

"After a year of life-threatening challenges, Quidditch does seem like a breeze now," Analeigh said with a hint of humor.

"Hey, when Gryffindor and Hufflepuff play against each other, who are you going to root for?"

"Gryffindor, without a doubt."

Analeigh had to hold back a giggle when she saw Cedric deflate at how quickly she answered his question.

"I thought you would at least think about it for a bit before deciding," he pouted as they reached the Heart residence's porch.

"I was only teasing," Analeigh grinned. "Of course, I'll still support you."

"I better hear you cheering for me in the crowd."

"You will. Who else gets the opportunity to say that the Hufflepuff Quidditch Captain is personally expecting me to cheer him on?"

Cedric shrugged cockily and sent one of his signature smirks at her.

"So, are you still upset I showed up here without warning?" he then said.

"I was never upset."

"Oh, sure. You were so thrilled to see me that you slammed the door in my face."

"I was startled!" Analeigh said defensively, making Cedric laugh.

"I'm just teasing you," he copied her words from earlier. There was a brief pause in which his eyes flickered down to her lips, and they both knew what would unfold next. A gentle hand rested on the side of Analeigh's face as Cedric leaned down to match her height. Their faces were inching closer and closer, almost touching, only for the front door next to them to swing open abruptly. The two teenagers sprang apart from each other immediately.

"Where have you been?"

It was Altair Heart, who had just returned home from work at the Ministry of Magic. He was still clad in his clothes from work — a long, burgundy polo and black slacks. It was like he was always wearing long sleeves nowadays, and Analeigh guessed it was because of the Dark Mark he bore. While he explained that he used to be able to conceal it with magic since the mark faded considerably from Voldemort's first fall, it seemed as if it had started to become more prominent again now that he had returned.

Altair continued to look at his daughter expectantly for an answer, not even bothering to acknowledge the boy next to her.

"O-Oh, Cedric and I went out for a walk," Analeigh hurriedly replied. "Er, didn't mum tell you he was visiting today?"

As if on cue, Cedric smiled politely at Altair. The older man stared him down with an emotionless face, unnerving Cedric by the second.

"She did," Altair finally said. "But the two of you shouldn't be out alone for so long. It's dangerous nowadays."

Both Analeigh and Cedric knew what he was referring to — Voldemort's return.

"I'm sorry, sir," Cedric apologized. "I should've realized that sooner."

"No, it was my idea," Analeigh shot a small glare towards Cedric who wanted to take the blame. "Don't worry, dad. We'll be more careful next time."

Altair once again eyed Cedric as if he was scanning his every move. It was almost comedic to Analeigh, but it made Cedric want to shrink back.

"Alright, then," Altair gave in. "Don't stay out here much longer. You should get back inside soon."

He made a move to return into the house, only to halt and look over his shoulder briefly.

"Oh, and Cedric..." Cedric visibly straightened up at the call of his name. "You're welcome to stay for dinner."

And then, he left without another word. Cedric let out a sigh of relief when the man had disappeared back inside.

"Why do you still look so scared? He invited you over for dinner," Analeigh laughed.

"Yeah, but did you see the way he was looking at me? It's like he was trying to murder me with his own eyes," Cedric shuddered.

"He isn't always like that. I think he's just trying to seem more intimidating than he really is," Analeigh chuckled. "Are you staying for dinner, then?"

"Unfortunately, I can't. I promised mum and dad I'd be home before dark."

"Tell Mr. and Mrs. Diggory that I say hi, then," Analeigh said with a small smile. "Thanks for coming over today — even if I did slam the door on you earlier."

"It was my pleasure."

He leaned in once again with the intention of kissing her, but paused all of a sudden and switched to a hug that was awkward even for Analeigh. She raised her eyebrows at him questioningly when he pulled away, and the next words he said were spoken in such a low voice that she almost didn't hear it.

"Your dad might still be watching us."

A/N: What are some other good fanfiction sites you guys read/write in? I'll still write and update here, but I'm considering posting my books in other sites as well because this whole Wattpad breach got me really paranoid YIKES :<